3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - SHAU KEI WAN HANDICAP, HK$1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating - (60-40) TURF - "B+2" Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.97 Standard Time: 1:09.25 Course/Class Record: 1:08.45
Winner: FANTASTIC WAY (NZ 3yo g Swiss Ace – Funhouse) has made the right start to his career after showing his credentials in three barriers trials ahead of his debut. Jumping just fairly from the inside draw, Joao Moreira quickly had the gelding booting up on the inside to take the lead. Moreira was able to control the race from that point before upping the tempo before the home turn. Despite the win Fantastic Way still has a lot to learn as he wandered about up the straight under Moreira's urging. Still, he has started his career in the right way.
Runner-up: Unfortunately for FIRE BALL he has again found one that goes just a little better than what he does. He began smartly from his draw but could not cross the winner with Joao Moreira determined to lead on Fantastic Way. Still Fire Ball travelled nicely until into the straight and when Moreira asked for the supreme effort on the winner, Fire Ball did not drop off. No doubt there is improvement in the winner, but at the same time Fire Ball deserves a win. That won't be long in coming.
Run Of The Race: Hard to go past the winner FANTASTIC WAY after his slow start and greenness up the Sha Tin straight. While he had trialled in preparation for this first start, the race day experience is another level. He will have gained plenty from the experience and looks a smart type going forward.
Disappointment: It is pretty hard to get too disappointed in the beaten brigage. The first two home were the two best fancied in the betting with Fantastic Way being punted down to a short quote.
Comparison: Time was inside of standard and just over half-a-second outside of the class record for a debutant that could be going places.
Market Movers: Fantastic Way $1.95 into $1.40.
RACE 2 - ALDRICH BAY HANDICAP, HK$750,000
Class 5 – Rating - (40-0) TURF - "B+2" Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:22.50 Standard Time: 1:22.15 Course/Class Record: 1:21.53
Winner: GALAXY EMPEROR (AUS 4yo g Verrazano – Naivety) gave Joao Moreira a race-to-race double and it was classic Moreira. Get the horse out of the barriers, work forward and then assess. After being three wide early and with the pace slackening, Moreira worked forward to sit second before the half-way mark. Allowing Galaxy Emperor a breather, Moreira then gave the winner his head and he kicked clear, opening up an advantage. For a stride or two inside the 200m it looked as though the runner-up may peg him back, but over the last 100m he was comfortably holding the chasing pack.
Runner-up: SEIZE THE SPIRIT travelled well in the second-half of the field in the three-wide line with cover. Content to stay in that position until the turn, Seize The Spirit was hooked out widest in the straight and unleashed a quick sprint. For a momentary stride, or three, there looked a chance of over-hauling the winner, but by the 100m his run had petered out. The signs were promising.
Run Of The Race: VICTORIOUS LEADER was taken back by Christophe Soumillon and was with the tailenders when the field turned for home. Cutting the corner, Soumillon eventually got Victorious Leader out wide in the straight and onto the back of the runner-up Seize The Spirit where he continued to make ground in the run home. It was a game performance from so far back.
Disappointment: WONDER BRAHMA came in for good support at longer odds. After working over from a wide draw, he found himself in fourth spot at the half-way mark, but three wide. He looked to still be travelling well into the straight but then got on his wrong leg and soon after began to weaken, eventually finishing at the tail.
Comparison: Time was comfortably outside of standard and time will tell on the strength of the form.
Market Movers: Spicy Grill $10 to $5.30, Wonder Brahma $37 to $12.
RACE 3 - RAMBLER CHANNEL HANDICAP, HK$1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating - (60-40) All-Weather – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.63 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.14
Winner: LUCKY FUN (NZ 4yo g Proisir – Emerged) made it two in a row after winning on the turf at his previous start. Was snagged back after the start by Zac Purton to settle on the fence and saved valuable ground to the turn, although was being ridden along to stay in touch. Purton wanted to come to the outside, but was forced to switch course between runners. It mattered little as the Lucky Fun produced a strong finish.
Runner-up: RESOLUTE has continued his consistent season on the all-weather track which has included a win and two second placings. He enjoyed a good trail in the one-one position to the turn before taking over early in the straight. He fought the race out strongly to the line but was no match late for the winner.
Run Of The Race: LUCKY FUN produced the goods in an impressive display after being dragged back early to cross behind runners. The impressive part was the way he knuckled down after being denied one run to the outside and then switching course back inside. He also showed versatility at now having won on both surfaces at Sha Tin.
Disappointment: DEMONS ROCK came in for some support at longer odds but was never in contention. Settled back in the field and was still well back turning for home and then just ran home fairly between runners in the straight. For the support received, it was a below par performance.
Comparison: The form should hold up as the time was well within that of standard and less than half-a-second outside the class record.
Market Movers: Lucky Fun $6.20 to $4.20, Oscar Glory $17 to $9.60, Demons Rock $11 to $7.70.
RACE 4 - CHAI WAN HANDICAP, HK$1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating - (60-40) TURF - "B+2" Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good
Time: 1:34.45 Standard Time: 1:34.70 Course/Class Record: 1:33.78
Winner: HAPPY WIN WIN (IRE 6yo g Zoffany – Meeting in Paris) can mix his form, but overall he is racing well this season, especially over the mile course at this track. He was successful on the "C +3" course in November and repeated that victory in style this time. He Enjoyed a good run on the fence and was able to switch out to the centre to get a clear run home. He sprinted quickly to put himself into a winning position at the 200m then dug deep to hold off the runner-up Winning Stead. A solid performance from a consistent performer.
Runner-up: WINNING STEED has just been unable to crack it for a win, finishing in the runner-up position for the second time this season. He had the winner trailing him in the run, but whereas the winner came to the centre, Winning Steed was slightly held up early in the straight. Once finally clear he did hit the line strongly to indicate his winning turn is not far off.
Run Of The Race: NUNCHUKS again caught the eye with a powerful finish. Settling back in the field in a fast run race, Nunchuks was still second last turning for home. Coming widest in the straight, he unleashed a powerful finish to finish third and continue his consistent season which has seen victories over the mile at Sha Tin and 1800m at Happy Valley.
Disappointment: CHEERFUL DAYS came in for solid support to run a short-priced favourite. Was pushed along early to find the front but appeared to get an easy time of it in the lead. Gave a kick early in the straight, but when headed at the 150m there was little resistance. Perhaps a quieter run will be more beneficial next time.
Comparison: Time was inside of standard courtesy of a solid pace early from Cheerful Days. Can the form hold up, wait and see.
Market Movers: Cheerful Days $2.55 to $2.20, Happy Win Win $16.50 to $12.70.
RACE 5 - TAI TAM BAY HANDICAP, $HK1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating - (80-60) All-Weather – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.49 Standard Time: 1:08.65 Course/Class Record: 1:07.40
Winner: SUNNY BOY (AUS 6yo g Star Witness – Hilton Head) appreciated the class drop and getting back on to the all-weather track. His last win came on this track last July and after five runs at Class 2 level found himself back to Class 3. After one run on the turf, he found himself back on his preferred surface and in winning form. He enjoyed a good run on the fence, saved ground around the turn and showed a good burst of speed to win well.
Runner-up: SUNSET WATCH had his chance. After a successful Australian career that netted three wins, Sunset Watch has been unable to get on the board after 16 starts that has netted just three placings. This time he raced outside of the winner and whereas Sunny Boy came through the pack, Sunset Watch was forced to track wide. Unfortunately, he is at an awkward rating, but is capable of picking up one of these races.
Run Of The Race: SUPER ALLIANCES won two on end in November in Class 4 grade and since his elevation in grade has been performing consistently and again, he ran well. After being buried back on the fence in the run, he worked home gamely between runners to suggest he can be followed in a similar race coming up.
Disappointment: ALL FOR SOUTH had some good support and no excuses. He got into a nice spot behind a solid enough early tempo. Got into clear running in plenty of time and was in a striking distance at the 200m, but could not sustain the effort.
Comparison: Race was run just inside of standard, but well outside of the class record.
Market Movers: Utopia Life $37 to 12, All For South $4.1 to $3.2.
RACE 6 - TATHTONG HANDICAP, HK$2,200,000
Class 2 – Rating - (100-80) TURF - "B+2" Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:21.09 Standard Time: 1:21.35 Course/Class Record: 1:20.29
Winner: BEAUTY SMILE (IRE 4yo g Free Eagle – Pale Orchid) was rewarded for his consistency with a solid victory. Enjoyed a good trail in the one-one position before easing into clear on straightening. Took over with 200m to run, kicking clear to put the race beyond doubt. While the runner-up Not Usual Talent closed off well, there was never any danger to the winner.
Runner-up: NOT USUAL TALENT again ran his usual honest race in this class with big weight. He settled back in the field before gradually making ground to the turn where he came wide. Balanced up he ran to the line gamely without ever really looking likely to overhaul the winner. It was another consistent display from an in-form galloper.
Run Of The Race: It has been a while since WINNING METHOD last tasted success and his form has been mixed this season, but there was merit in the way he finished off his race. Settling back in the field and under a good hold, Winning Method was still near the rear turning for home. Coming wide in the straight he ran home powerfully to finish fifth, just under three lengths from the winner. He is getting stronger with every 1400m race he has and won't be long in winning.
Disappointment: MS ALLY was expected to run well after having good support. Joao Moreira reported to stewards that after early crowding Ms Ally did not feel comfortable in its action and it had sustained a cut. However, at no stage did Ms Ally put himself into the race. Maybe he will be worth another chance when next seen.
Comparison: Race was run inside of standard so the form may hold up.
Market Movers: Not Usual Talent $5.7 to $3.80, Ms All $11 to $5.90.
RACE 7 - THE CENTENARY VASE, HK$3,500,000
Group 3 TURF - "B+2" Course – Distance 1800m – Track Good
Time: 1:46.01 Standard Time: 1:46.05 Course/Class Record: 1:45.25
Winner: GLORIOUS DRAGON (IRE 6yo g Teofilo – Tipperary Honor) looks to have taken the next step with what was an impressive victory. Admittedly he had a nice weight drop from his last start, but there was a lot to like about the way he put the race away when asked to sprint inside the final 200m. Two lengths off the leader at the 200m, he had the race won 50m later in an explosive turn of foot. He continues to get better and may be able to continue his rise through the ranks.
Runner-up: EXULTANT again performed to his top. He had to concede 20 pounds to the winner but did not stop trying. He was the one doing all the donkey work behind the leader Time Warp who ran them along at a solid clip. That is now four second placings in a row from his only four starts this season and he continues to show his ultra-consistent form.
Run Of The Race: It was hard not to be impressed by EXULTANT who was giving 5 pounds away to Furore and 20 pounds to the majority of the field. While he won this race last year, his best form has been at 2000m and 2400m. He again showed his zest for racing and there are bigger prizes to come his way, especially over the extra ground.
Disappointment: COLUMBUS COUNTY was sent off third favourite but looks to have paid the price for placings at Group 1 and Group 2 level following a Class 2 victory to start his season in October. He settled back and travelled smoothly in a solidly run affair, but ran home only fairly when close enough to unleash in the straight. The performance did not back up the support, however he may appreciate a longer journey.
Comparison: Run was just inside of standard and the weight certainly aided the winner who was able to quicken when required.
Market Movers: Exultant $5.10 to $3.40, Furore $4 to $3.
RACE 8 - CLEAR WATER BAY HANDICAP, HK$1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating - (60-40) TURF - "B+2" Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:22.22 Standard Time: 1:21.85 Course/Class Record: 1:20.80
Winner: ULTRA EXPRESS (NZ 4yo g Power – Court In The Park) was ridden along early by Karis Teetan to hold his position from the draw but he struggled to stay forward, eventually drifting back touch better then midfield. Teetan was continually at him and at no stage did he ever look to be travelling. Angled off heels to the middle track and in clear straightening, he was only one-paced until a runner came up outside him inside the last 150m and he found another gear wearing down the leaders in the final stages for grinding win.
Runner-up: GREEN ENVY was an enormous run. Joao Moreira just could not find any cover three wide from awkward gate but he did not panic and kept creeping forward. He was very brave over the last 100m but just could not hold off the winner in the final couple of strides.
Run Of The Race: Barrier draw left Derek Leung little option but to go back to the rear after being wide wide in the early stages. He was still out the back and wide straightening. He let down strongly in the last 200m and was the eye catcher, running on widest to be beaten just over a length.
Disappointment: Favourite WINS ALL had all the favours back on the fence behind the leader and when the leader rolled of at 200m he drove through and looked to have set up a winning break, but he failed to hold off late challenge and had no excuses.
Comparison: Leisurely run affair in middle stages and time was well outside of standard.
Market Movers: Diamond Rhyme $21 to $11, More Than Enough $11 to $6.80, Wins All $5.40 to $3.40.
RACE 9 - SIU SAI WAN HANDICAP, HK$1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating - (80-60) TURF - "B+2" Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good
Time: 1:33.94 Standard Time: 1:34.50 Course/Class Record: 1:33.27
Winner: CASIMIRO (IRE 7yo g Casamento – Glyndebourne) drew a tough gate out in barrier 10. He jumped well enough but Matthew Chadwick eased him back looking for cover and by the half-mile had found the rails midfield and racing alone. He weaved to the middle track straightening but doubt he was happy between runners. Chadwick got serious on him at the 200m where he got his head down and responded driving through in the last 100m for good tough win.
Runner-up: TELECOM FIGHTERS took up forward position but just wanted to over-race when being restrained into the one-one position. When he peeled off heels at 200m he looked the winner but just lacked winning dash when winner got up beside him, but he responded well and fought on bravely for close second spot.
Run Of The Race: AUTHENTIC CHAMP was forced back from his wide gate and sat well back in the big field. Started to track into the race out wide before the corner but was still well back straightening. Closed the race off solidly suggesting he will handle some extra ground.
Disappointment: PIANO SOLO did not jump that well from inside gate but he was quick to recover and found himself behind the leader on rails. Once balanced-up in the straight, there was no kick and the rider looked concerned with action as he dropped out.
Comparison: Truly run affair and they ran quicker than standard time, so would expect the form to stand up.
Market Movers: Piano Solo $11 to $6.90, Telecom Fighters $8.60 to $5.90.
RACE 10 - VICTORIA HARBOUR HANDICAP, HK$2,200,000
Class 2 – Rating - (100-80) TURF - "B+2" Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.40 Standard Time: 1:08.65 Course/Class Record: 1:07.89
Winner: BEAUTY APPLAUSE (AUS 5yo g Stratum – Easy Step) used early speed to get across from his wide gate and sit outside leader. He relaxed well in the middle stages and when he was let down at the 200m he quickly put a couple of lengths on them to put the race away. While they took ground of him in the final stages, the sharp turn of foot at the vital stages was impressive.
Runner-up: GUY DRAGON was allowed to settle back third last in the early stages and was still out the back but angling widest on the corner. Let down strongly in the last 200m and flew home in the final stages, however the winner held too big a break.
Run Of The Race: Pay to forget that DUKE WAI went around. He was stuck back on the rails, worse than midfield and rider had no other option but to stick to the inside from the corner. He got caught up behind tiring horses and was never fully tested at any stage.
Disappointment: CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT came in for some solid support and looked to get a peach of a ride from Christophe Soumillon, sitting in the running line with cover. Raced in some restricted room in the straight, but had his chance once clear but did not hit the line as well as expected. For the support, it was an average performance.
Comparison: Pace was on in the early stages before backing off. Race run in quicker than standard so form should stack up.
Market Movers: Californiadeepshot $6.80 to $4.10, Handsome Bo Bo $10 to $5.10.
